About Me.

My name is Philip Scandariato, though I was born Filippo Scandariato in Queens, New York, the proud son of Sicilian immigrants whose strength, sacrifice, and traditions continue to shape the person I am today.  My father, Giuseppe Scandariato, was born in Castellammare del Golfo, and my mother, Grazia Scaturro, in Santa Margherita di Belice, two small towns in Sicily, rich in culture and heritage.  Both of my parents left their homes in their early twenties, coming to America in search of a better life, not just for themselves, but for their siblings and the families they hoped to build. They arrived in Brooklyn, joining a community of hardworking immigrants, and eventually settled in Queens, where they reunited with family and began planting roots for the next generation.

 

I was raised in a home deeply grounded in faith, tradition, and love of family. Those values were instilled in me from a young age and have stayed with me throughout every chapter of my life. I attended Catholic elementary and high schools, then went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) in Westbury.  After graduating, I moved to South Florida to be with Danielle DiMartino—a childhood friend from New York whose family also came from Sicily, specifically Polizzi Generosa. Her family shared the same values and culture I was raised with, and together, we built a life rooted in tradition, love, and family. We got married and were blessed with two amazing children, Giuseppe (Gio) and Eliana.

 

In 2009, we decided to move back to New York, to reconnect with extended family and reestablish the roots that had always grounded us. Being surrounded again by cousins, lifelong friends, and relatives has only deepened my appreciation for the sacrifices made by the generations before us.  Today, I remain committed to carrying that legacy forward. Whether through community involvement or simply living by the values passed down to me, I strive to help others—especially those who may feel disconnected from their heritage, rediscover the pride, strength, and sense of belonging that comes from knowing where you come from.

 

The most important lesson I’ve learned in life is simple but powerful: never forget your roots, honor those who came before you, and live with gratitude, love, and respect for one another. That’s how we keep our traditions alive and build something even greater for the generations to come.